The wrestling world is in mourning following the death of Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE Hall of Famer who revolutionized professional wrestling and became a global pop culture phenomenon. Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died at 71 on July 24, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home.
Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital after emergency responders rushed to his home following a cardiac arrest call early Thursday morning. He was stretchered into an ambulance but could not be revived.
The wrestling icon had undergone neck surgery in May 2025 and was recovering at home. Weeks before his death, rumors swirled about his declining health, but his wife, Sky Daily, dismissed claims he was in a coma, stating his heart was “strong”.
Hogan’s career spanned five decades, leaving an indelible mark on sports entertainment:
Hulkamania Era (1980s): His victory over The Iron Sheik in 1984 launched “Hulkamania,” turning WWE (then WWF) into a mainstream sensation. His matches with Andre the Giant and The Ultimate Warrior became legendary.
NWO & Hollywood Hogan (1990s): His shocking heel turn in WCW, forming the New World Order (nWo), redefined wrestling storytelling and sparked the “Monday Night Wars” against WWE.
Hollywood Crossover: From “Rocky III” (1982) to family films like “Suburban Commando” and reality TV’s “Hogan Knows Best,” he bridged wrestling and entertainment.
Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily (married in 2023), children Brooke and Nick Hogan, and newborn grandchildren (Brooke’s twins born in 2025). His net worth was estimated at $25 million, bolstered by a $31 million settlement from his lawsuit against Gawker in 2016.
Hogan’s last Instagram post featured a “Hulk Rules” towel, now flooded with fan tributes. Weeks earlier, he launched “Real American Freestyle,” an amateur wrestling league set to debut in August 16.
“Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” — the battle cry of a man whose legacy will endure forever.
